For the Record, from the Campaign Trail

Conducts against the election code of conduct: This ‘Constituent Assembly Member Election 2008 Observation Bulletin’ was prepared by the National Election Monitoring Alliance (NEMA) on April 7, 2008.

1. An unidentified group detonated a bomb in Inaruwa Minicipality-2 on April 7, 2008. Two people got injured in the blast. According to NEMA representative, the blast was directed against motorcycle rally of Nepali Congress in Inaruwa, Sunsari district.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 13 – In course of election publicity campaigns, carrying of arms and weapons or explosives, or display or use of chemical or poisonous materials, or sticks, spears, Khukuris and the likes of sharp and dangerous nature is prohibited.

Code No 16 – No political party or candidate or their supporters shall disturb or obstruct any procession or mass meeting organized by another party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

Code No 34 – No person shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to disturb the election or create hatred toward election or create confusion or cause obstruction to election.

3. CPN Maoist affiliated Young Communist League (YCL) cadres abducted five CPN UML cadres including District Committee under-secretary Mr. Netra Prasad Bhattarai from Pokali VDC, Okhaldhunga district on April 7, 2008. Whereabouts of UML cadres is still unknown.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

4. CPN Maoist cadres attacked on the protest rally organised by CPN UML in Anekot VDC Kavrepalanchowk district on April 7, 2008. A total of 12 CPN UML cadres were injured in the incident. CPN UML organized the rally to protest CPN Maoist attack on their party meeting on the other day where eight CPN UML cadres were injured.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 16 – No political party or candidate or their supporters shall disturb or obstruct any procession or mass meeting organized by another party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

5. An unidentified group has abducted Mr. Rajendra Pandey, polling officer at Banauti VDC, Mahottari district on April 7, 2008 who was on the way to district headquarters. Whereabouts of Mr. Pandey is still unknown.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 31 – No person shall distract any employee associated with election and the security personnel from responsibility to maintain peace and security from his or her duties by way of showing or exercising any kind of fear, terror, threat or force or showing gratification.

6. CPN Maoist cadres led by Mr. Shankar Lama attacked CPN UML cadres in Choper VDC, Dolakha district on April 7, 2008 at 730 hours. A total of three CPN UML cadres seriously injured. The group also looted Mr. Sankar Lal Tamang’s shop.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

Code No 34 – No person shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to disturb the election or create hatred toward election or create confusion or cause obstruction to election.

7. Clash between the Maoist cadres and the NC activists occurred at around 1330 hours when a group of around 20-25 Maoists activists tried to obstruct the mass meeting organized by NC at Shirichaur VDC in Okhaldhunga district on 7th April. Mr. Balkrishna Dahal, NC candidate for Okhaldhunga Constituency – one and Ms. Goma KC, NC candidate for proportional representation electoral system were injured in the mishap.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 16 – No political party or candidate or their supporters shall disturb or obstruct any procession or mass meeting organized by another party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

8. CPN UML and Nepali Congress cadres clashed in Jita VDC, Lamjung district on April 7, 2008. The incident took place at around 1400 hours in the afternoon. Cadres from both parties got injured in the incident.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

9. An unidentified group attacked Mr. Pahalman Karki, Assistant District Returning Officer in Sunarpani VDC, Ramechhap district on April 7, 2008. The incident took place at 700 hours and has left Mr. Karki seriously injured.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

10. Janatantrik Mukti Morcha detonated a bomb near Nepali Congress electoral mass meeting in Ghantaghar, Birjung, Parsa district on April 7, 2008. Altogether 11 individuals have sustained injury in the blast, among them; a child named Ms. Munik Kumari’s condition is very critical.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 13 – In course of election publicity campaigns, carrying of arms and weapons or explosives, or display or use of chemical or poisonous materials, or sticks, spears, Khukuris and the likes of sharp and dangerous nature is prohibited.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

11. YCL cadres attacked CPN UML candidate from proportional electoral system Mr. Mukunda Gautam in Madifera VDC, Kavrepalanchowk district on April 7, 2008. The attack took place around 1530 hours when a group of 200 YCL cadres attacked the vehicle on which candidate Mr. Gautam was traveling.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

12. On April 7, 2008, CPN Maoist cadres abducted and later on released Nepali Congress General Committee member Mr. Sher Bahadur Tamang, on condition that he no longer campaigns for NC. Mr. Tamang was abducted from Gumati Bhanjyang VDC, Kavrepalanchowk district. Later, police secured Mr. Tamang.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

Code No 34 – No person shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to disturb the election or create hatred toward election or create confusion or cause obstruction to election.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

16. An unidentified group detonated a bomb near electoral assembly organized by Rastriya Prajatantra Party in New Baneshwor Kathmandu on April 7, 2008.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 13 – In course of election publicity campaigns, carrying of arms and weapons or explosives, or display or use of chemical or poisonous materials, or sticks, spears, Khukuris and the likes of sharp and dangerous nature is prohibited.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

20. YCL cadres torched a vehicle being used by Mr. Ang Tamang, Nepali Congress candidate for Ramechhap Constituency – opne at Chuchura VDC, Ramechhap district on April 6, 2008.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

21. A CPN Maoist commander stationed in Chishapani cantonment appeared in Dhangadi town along with modern weapon on April 6, 2008.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 13 – In course of election publicity campaigns, carrying of arms and weapons or explosives, or display or use of chemical or poisonous materials, or sticks, spears, Khukuris and the likes of sharp and dangerous nature is prohibited.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 16 – No political party or candidate or their supporters shall disturb or obstruct any procession or mass meeting organized by another party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

23. Nepali Congress cadres have assaulted CPN Maoist cadres Mr. Tirtha Thapa in Jhangajholi VDC, Sindhuli district on April 6, 2008. According to NEMA representative, the assault was in response to yesterday’s Maoist attack on Nepali Congress cadres. Injured Thapa was flown to Kathmandu for further treatment.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 35 – if any person or groups obstruct a canvassing program organized by any political party or candidate, such party or candidate shall make a verbal request or an application to the local administration to take action against such person or group in accordance with the law. No political party, candidate, activist or supporter shall, on their own, take any kind of action against such person or group.

24. Mr. Nara Man Kami, Nepali Congress candidate from proportional electoral system has campaigned at Tatopani, Jogbuda VDC, Dadeldhura district with chain, knife and other home made weapons on April 6, 2008. Later, when CPN Maoist cadres prevented Mr.Kami doing so by using force. NC cadres along with Mr. Kami took refuge in nearby police post. After that CPN Maoist cadres protested against the police for giving refuge to NC cadres and also encircled the police post.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 13 – In course of election publicity campaigns, carrying of arms and weapons or explosives, or display or use of chemical or poisonous materials, or sticks, spears, Khukuris and the likes of sharp and dangerous nature is prohibited.

Code No 31 – No person shall distract any employee associated with election and the security personnel from responsibility to maintain peace and security from his or her duties by way of showing or exercising any kind of fear, terror, threat or force or showing gratification.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

25. Maoist cadres picketed the house of Mr. Him Prashad Sharma situated at Bijeshwori VDC in Rukkum district for around three hours on April 5, 2008. Ms. Tirtha Gautam, CPN UML candidate from proportional representation electoral system along with 35 other CPN UML activists were residing in the house for the election campaign. Maoist activists pelted stones in the house from 21 hours to midnight.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

Code No 34 – No person shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to disturb the election or create hatred toward election or create confusion or cause obstruction to election.

26. YCL activists prevented the NC and CPN UML from campaigning in the four wards of the Nepa and Kashikandha VDC in Dailekh district on April 5, 2008.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 16 – No political party or candidate or their supporters shall disturb or obstruct any procession or mass meeting organized by another party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

27. CPN Maoist and Nepali Congress cadres clashed in Tandrang VDC in Gorkha district on April 5, 2008. In the clash Maoist cadre Dandapani Lamichhane sustained injury in chest and throat.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 16 – No political party or candidate or their supporters shall disturb or obstruct any procession or mass meeting organized by another party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

28. YCL cadres assaulted Nepali Congress activists at Dingla VDC in Solukhumbu district on April 5, 2008 in the accusation of distributing money to the voters. Nepali Congress activists Mr. Garud Dhowj Basnet, Mr. Dilip Karki and Mr. Prakash Basnet were injured in the clash. A group of around 40-45 CPN Maoist cadres assaulted the Nepali Congress activists by obstructing their door-to-door campaign.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 34 – No person shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to disturb the election or create hatred toward election or create confusion or cause obstruction to election.

29. CPN Maoist cadres attacked CPN UML cadres campaigning in Chudamani VDC-1, Jumla district on April 5, 2008. The attack took place around at 1200 in the noon.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 16 – No political party or candidate or their supporters shall disturb or obstruct any procession or mass meeting organized by another party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 11 – No pamphlet or election symbol affixed for the purpose of election publicity campaign shall be removed, torn, or got one’s poster posted thereon by any one representing another political party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.